I could work every day of my life and never pay off a fraction of the cost.
Ainwir had been the only family I’d had. With him gone, all I had was myself and the shack I called home. There was no one to ask for help. And no one who could give it.
I expected Laverna to keep me waiting, but she arrived shortly after my guide departed. Those who’d never met the Guild’s lady expected a glittering noble or a battle-hardenedwarrior, but Laverna knew invisibility was the greatest asset a scoundrel could possess.
The great leader of the Guild looked terribly plain: short brown hair, a no-frills pair of trousers and shirt, and unremarkable features. Hidden behind the unassuming mien was a terrifying and cunning woman who had never been unseated, though many eyed her position with envy.
Bowing my head in deference, I waited for her to speak.
“Sorry for the abrupt call, Aethra,” Laverna announced, “but a job fell into my lap, and you’re the perfect fit.”
Lifting my head, I met her eyes. “What is it?”
Pulling a scroll from beneath her arm, Laverna handed it to me and paced away. Unrolling the parchment, I studied the image with furrowed brows. It was a map of the Sundered court, the central district where festivals were held.
“Familiarize yourself with it,” Laverna said, leaning on the table. “You’ll be attending the Sundering Ceremony.”
I’d entirely forgotten about that. Between my bare wardrobe and empty love life, there was no reason to attend.
Rolling up the map, I turned to her. “Will I be selling cheap masks to people who forgot theirs?”
Laverna eyed me evenly. “You’ll be stealing the Maiden’s Bloodstone.”
The statement was so ridiculous, I stared at her blankly before absorbing her words.
The clergy guarded the Maiden’s Bloodstone with zealous fervor—they valued it more than all the world’s gold. Supposedly, it was crystallized blood from the goddess Brizo herself. Stealing it would be. . .impossible.
Laverna studied my expression. “We both know your talents are wasted selling cream to old ladies. You’ll never pay off your debt, no matter how many jobs I use you for. Steal the Bloodstone, and I’ll consider your debt forgiven.”
“Forgiven?” I echoed in disbelief.
Five years, I’d toiled under her thumb, expecting this to be the rest of my sorry life. No matter how much I earned, how many papers I forged, how many deals I oversaw, she took everything and left me with nothing. Guild members watched from the shadows of every city, ensuring there would be no escape from her service.
Dying on an impossible job was far more inviting than slaving away, hopeless and alone.
Shaking the ridiculous thought from my head, I offered her back the map. “Very funny. You’re not stupid enough to seriously suggest I try.”
Laverna’s eyes darkened. “No, I’m not.”
“So, what’s the real job?”
“This.” She enunciated. “Or should I send word through the ranks that you’ve disobeyed?”
Lowering the map, I reflected on the last time I’d failed a job. One of Laverna’s guard dogs hated me for reasons I didn’t understand, and he’d giddily dragged me by the hair to her punishment chamber.
Shuddering at the memory, I changed my tone. “I’ll do it,” I said. “What’s the plan?”
“That’s your domain, isn’t it?” Laverna tilted her head. “You’re clever. I’m sure you’ll come up with something.” She paused, staring across the garden. “But there’s only one moment where the Bloodstone isn’t under lock and key. That’s the moment to take it.”
I knew the moment she spoke of. The opening was slimmer than a thread, one I doubted anyone could successfully take advantage of. Performers re-enacted the most famous tale of the gods, and the clergy brought out the Bloodstone during the show.
“Can I ask why you want it?” I tucked the scroll under my arm. “The clergy will ignite history’s largest manhunt to track it down.”
“After the stone’s retrieved, you’ll transport it west,” Laverna ignored my question. “One of my men will intercept you at thesouthern gate when you have it, and tell you where to go. Understood?”
“Understood,” I confirmed.
“Good.” Laverna walked away, pausing to glance over her shoulder. “The Sundering Ceremony begins in a few days. You should find something else to wear.”
